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vcirelli

Yup, she's backed up.

In some ways, I know I would have spent the money pulling every piece of the boat apart regardless, just to verify with my own eyes that everything was safe for my family. I’m neurotic that way. But here begins a few entries over the last 7 months of ownership.

Miga was already in really great aesthetic condition compared to the other Ericsons for sale at the time in a similar price range. She’s 33 years old at the time of writing this.

It’s a beautiful boat, and I knew there would be some projects, but that’s fine by me, because I enjoy learning and doing new things… and my intention with getting a boat would be to verify everything was sound, if not then fix it and also update with new tech. I decided on Ericson, because of all the things I’ve read about it being a solid boat with good bones. Speaking of working on a boat:

* And of course I watch Christian’s videos, and have read his book (he has a new book coming out soon!). You don’t need links, you’ve probably seen his incredibly informative blog here, his youtube vids and probably read his book first book, if not, stop reading my drivel and go check out his stuff.https://www.youtube.com/user/cdw000/videos

I’m unfortunately not as handy as any of the people in the links above…but I try. Luckily my father is mechanically inclined, having a history of building and working on car as a hobby. When I was younger, he built a 427 Shelby Cobra Kit in our garage from the ground up, and when asked if I wanted to help I passed because it looked like work. And now, I am paying the price of youthful arrogance.

So… back to the problem, need to get the engine running:1) Checked fuel2) Looked in tank for buildup3) Replaced with new fuel4) Replaced all filters5) New SW impeller 6) New Thermostat7) Bleed entire system8) Oil change because it needed one9) New coolant

We started with the simpler stuff...

(By the way, that yellow container in one of the photos is “TUB O TOWELS” - if you’ve never used them, they are amazing cleaning wipes, that are safe for skin, but will clean up oils and difficult solutions like nothing else)

Ok, back to the engine. Turned the key, held down the glow plug, and pressed the starter. Nothing. The list needed a number 10...

10) Replace exhaust riser and see if there was an issue there. And, there it was, a heavily clogged, cracked interior.

Was a pretty messy job, but I suppose nothing like I have in store for me with the plumbing replacement in the head. wow.

She was just plugged up, poor thing. Happens to everybody… Ok, some more fiber, in the form of a new Westerbeke riser, and while we were at it added a number 11 to the list.
11) put in a new 3inch HX and new hoses.

Vrrrrrooooommmmm!

Well actually it sound more like a ka-butcha-butcha-butcha-butcha…It started, and sounded sweet! So nice to be using the boat again!

Time to clean up, organize, suck out the water in the bilge wipe it down. I want a nice clean bilge, afterall I have a dripless shaft seal, and no leaks. Bilge should be clean, and bone dry when I’m done with it.

Comments

Picture #2 shows one of the much-lamented Universal Engine "trailer' connectors". I would suggest checking it for overheating. I used a infrared point-and-read device that I bought on the cheap. I doubt its scientific accuracy, but it's the difference from ambient that concerned me. I had reason to be concerned... alto it really just confirmed the warmth I could feel with a hand on either of the two old connectors.
Maine Sail's excellent site has a great article about this potential fire hazard. It was (just) one -!- of the reasons that we recently replaced the whole harness and instruments... and the rest of our drive train as well.

Picture #2 shows one of the much-lamented Universal Engine "trailer' connectors". I would suggest checking it for overheating. I used a infrared point-and-read device that I bought on the cheap. I doubt its scientific accuracy, but it's the difference from ambient that concerned me. I had reason to be concerned... alto it really just confirmed the warmth I could feel with a hand on either of the two old connectors.
Maine Sail's excellent site has a great article about this potential fire hazard. It was (just) one -!- of the reasons that we recently replaced the whole harness and instruments... and the rest of our drive train as well.

Wow - thanks Loren for pointing that out. I'll check it out right away, I had no idea.